How long should you crate train a dog?

Crate training is extremely important for dogs. In order to make potty training simple, owners are typically advised to crate train their pets. There are a ton of other reasons to crate-train your puppy in addition to the fact that this is true.

If you properly train your dog to use the crate, it should become his or her safe haven. There they can indulge in specialty chews and unwind in bed. When they feel stressed, they can retreat to their crate, which is best kept in a peaceful, out-of-the-way location.

As a result, there really isn’t a situation in which you should “crate” your dog. The crate should always be accessible so that your dog has a place to go if they need to take a quick break.

This also provides them with a safe place to sleep. Many dogs will regard the crate as their bedroom, sleeping and spending time alone there.

When your dog is about two years old, you can usually stop locking your crate. They are typically more likely to get into trouble earlier. They cannot behave properly when left alone until they have reached adulthood. This is particularly true for bigger dogs since they typically mature later.

You should prevent larger dogs from chewing on your house until they have finished teething because they can cause more damage with their teeth.

When trained correctly, dogs shouldn’t mind being crated. Teaching your dog to love their crate with lots of special chews and treats is a part of the crate training process. If your dog dislikes its crate, you probably haven’t put enough effort into crate training them.

Step 1: Introduce your dog to the crate

Put the crate in the family room or another room where the family spends a lot of time at home. Put a soft blanket or bed in the crate. Let the dog explore the crate at their leisure by removing the door or leaving it propped open. Some dogs, who have a natural curiosity for the crate, will immediately begin to sleep there. If yours isnt one of them:

Bring them over to the crate and talk to them in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the crate door is open and secured so that it wont hit your dog and frighten them.

Encourage your dog to enter the crate by dropping some small food treats nearby, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the crate. If they refuse to go all the way in at first, thats OK; dont force them to enter.

Continue tossing treats into the crate until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the crate to get the food. If they aren’t interested in treats, try tossing a favorite toy in the crate. This step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.

Step 2: Feed your dog meals in the crate

Start your dog’s regular meals close to the crate after introducing them to it. This will create a pleasant association with the crate.

If your dog is readily entering the crate when you begin Step 2, place the food dish or interactive puzzle toy stuffed with food all the way at the back of the crate.

If they remain reluctant to enter, put the dish only as far inside as they will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed them, place the dish a little further back in the crate.

Once your dog is standing comfortably in the crate to eat their meal, you can close the door while they’re eating. The first time you do this, open the door as soon as they finish their meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until they’re staying in the crate for 10 minutes or so after eating.

If they begin to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly. Next time, try leaving them in the crate for a shorter time period.

Step 5: Keep an Eye on the Time

Your dog needs time to play, eat, and relieve himself outside the crate. Dogs don’t like to pee in their sleeping areas, but if they go for an extended period of time without a walk, they may end up doing it.

FAQ

When should you stop crate training?

When your dog is about two years old, you can usually stop locking your crate. They are typically more likely to get into trouble earlier. They cannot behave properly when left alone until they have reached adulthood. This is particularly true for bigger dogs since they typically mature later.

When should I stop crate training at night?

However, once your dog is about two years old, you can usually stop locking the crate door. When left unattended, your dog is more likely to cause trouble until that time. However, many dog owners prefer to crate-train their dogs before going to bed.

Should dogs be crate trained forever?

Do I Crate Forever? Some dog owners confine their dogs to crates at night and when they aren’t at home permanently. Based on the owner’s preferences and the pet’s behavior, this is a personal decision. After reaching adulthood, a lot of dogs acquire the privilege of living independently and sleeping in beds.

How many hours a day should I crate my dog?

Puppies and senior dogs shouldn’t be crated for more than 2-4 hours at a time because they can’t hold their bladder or bowels for as long. Adult dogs can typically spend up to 8 hours per day in their crates. Never confine your dog while you are home for an extended period of time. Dogs are social animals.